Bill Barlee, the former MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, who represented the people of Osoyoos for numerous years in the provincial legislature, is being fondly remembered as a personable and friendly man, historian, broadcaster, author, publisher, entrepreneur and gifted athlete.
Barlee, who passed away on June 14, was 80 years of age.
Born in Grand Forks, Barlee grew up in the Boundary, Kootenay and Okanagan areas, developing a deep love for its land and history.
He was a popular school teacher for 17 years, much of that spent at Penticton High School, where he taught social studies and coached the boys’ track and field team.
In 1968, Barlee left teaching to write and publish the local history magazine called Canada West and his books, including bestsellers Gold Creeks and Ghost Towns and The Guide to Gold Panning in B.C.
Barlee became very well-known across the province as the co-host of the popular and award-winning CHBC series Gold Trails and Ghost Towns, which ran from 1986 to 1996 on five different networks across Canada. The show is still seen in reruns.
Barlee had deep roots in the New Democratic Party, calling himself an “entrepreneur with a social conscience.” Although a social democrat, Barlee had friends across the political spectrum.
He won the Boundary-Similkameen provincial by-election in 1988 and from 1991-93 he was the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, introducing the Buy B.C. program.
He was named Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture and served in that position from 1993-96, a position that allowed him to pursue his lifelong interest in preserving B.C. history and promoting the province.
Barlee received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
Among his many talents, Barlee was a gifted athlete who excelled at hockey, lacrosse and tennis. His Okanagan Valley high school record for running the mile stood for more than 20 years. In tennis, he won the Okanagan Valley singles title seven times and the doubles title 13 times with his good friend and partner Roland Schwarz.
Schwarz called Barlee a personable, friendly and outgoing man who loved life to the fullest.
“He was a great guy to be around,” said Schwarz. “He was lots of fun and he was very talkative and very competitive, but always friendly.
“He was an outstanding coach in high school days and I believe he would have made an excellent professional coach because of his people skills.
“I knew Bill as a friend and tennis player and not as a politician, but he led a very rewarding life and I will miss him.”
Barlee lived in Osoyoos for several years during his political career and always talked about how much he loved living here and representing the people of Osoyoos in the provincial legislature, said Schwarz.
Schwarz expects a huge crowd of people to show up when a memorial is held as Barlee had a wide circle of friends.
Barlee is survived by his wife Kathleen Kyle, their daughters Veronica, Gwen and Diane Barlee and granddaughter Laura Barlee-Morris.
Donations to the SPCA would be appreciated by the family.